Capstone Brings in National Merit Scholars
Crimson White – Feb. 10
According to the National Merit Scholarship Corp.’s recent annual report, the University of Alabama ranked in the top 10 out of more than 600 public universities nationwide in the enrollment of National Merit scholars for 2009-2010. The fall 2009 freshman class included 103 scholars. Out of 2,400 public and private universities nationwide, UA ranked No. 24 in number of National Merit scholars enrolled…In addition, UA is also among the top enrollers of National Achievement Scholars, an award given to the top black scorers. The Capstone ranked third out of all public universities and 16th out of all universities, public and private… “These rankings reflect our continued success in attracting some of the nation’s most talented students,” said UA President Robert E. Witt in a press release. This year’s freshman class also includes over 1,100 students who carried a 4.0 or higher grade point average in high school. “We are pleased that these outstanding students and their families appreciate the academic quality and value that the University of Alabama offers,” Witt said.
Our View: Recruiting scholars yields great benefits
Crimson White – Feb. 10
In short: UA is a top recruiter of National Merit Scholars and that helps all students get a better education. The University has moved into the top 10 in more than sports. UA was the 10th-ranked public university in terms of National Merit Scholars for the fall 2009 freshman class, with 103 scholars as UA freshmen…
Germany company licenses UA prof’s emissions-reduction device
Mobile Press-Register – Feb. 10
A German company has licensed an emissions system developed by a University of Alabama professor to reduce emissions from passenger vehicles and trucks, according to a press release. The system was developed by Marcus Ashford, an assistant mechanical engineering professor at Alabama. Emission & Power Solutions, which describes itself as a “clean tech” company, said in the statement it is beginning a research and development collaboration with Alabama to sell the device.
Professor dies after bout with brain cancer
Crimson White – Feb. 10
After a four-year battle with brain cancer, Robert Young, an English associate professor at the University, passed away on Jan. 31 at 42. Young, who specialized in contemporary black literary and cultural theory, contemporary social theory and materialism, arrived at UA in 1997. He taught both undergraduate classes and graduate seminars in black literature and literary theory…His wife of 13 years, Nirmala Erevelles, who also works as an associate professor of social foundations of education in the UA College of Education, said while he underwent three separate surgeries, Young was adamant not to give up his job as a professor. “He said to me one time that he was determined to teach until he could no longer stand,” Erevelles said…Throughout his years at the University, Young gained the respect and admiration of his coworkers and students, ultimately being selected by the college of arts and sciences to serve as a Distinguished Teaching Fellow from 2004 to 2007. He was also honored by UA with receiving an Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award. The English department plans to sponsor an annual lecture called “The Robert Milton Young Memorial Lecture in African-American Literacy and Cultural Theory.”…
UA student wins cash on Jeopardy
Crimson White – Feb. 10
A UA student competed in the 2010 Jeopardy College Championship, which aired on Feb. 2, said Mary Wymer, UA spokeswoman. Will Warren, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, said he ended up winning $46 in the game, but because he had been selected to play, he automatically received an additional $5,000…
Black History Month affects all cultures
Crimson White – Feb. 10
…Beverly Hawk, director of Crossroads Community Center, said learning about other cultures is essential and urged students of all cultures to participate in the events that they have planned for the month…Brittney Cooper, assistant professor of women’s studies, said while the month is celebrated in countries outside of the United States, it is mostly celebrated here. She said the month has become commercialized just as other holidays have over time. This change relates to when people think about the month as well, she said. “It is similar to the saying, ‘Out of sight, out of mind’, but the problem is black people are never out of sight,” she said. “The media affects what is on own mind and focus.”…
AdTeam campaigns for State Farm
Crimson White – Feb. 10
A group of UA students are putting their advertising skills to the test as they seek a national crown of their own. Last year, the Ad Team lost a close race to New York University in the annual national competition hosted by the American Advertising Federation, ranking second in the nation. This year, the team is planning a full ad campaign for insurance company State Farm. The team will be entering their marketing campaign to the National Student Advertising Competition, hosted by the AAF, in April.
UA Hosts Heart Health Event
FOX6 (Birmingham) – Feb. 9
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Feb. 9
Heart health awareness is the focus of an event tonight on the campus of the University of Alabama. Free heart screenings were available at the event called, “learn about good heart health whatever your age.” Heart surgery survivors were among those who spoke about staying healthy.